There are games that end with a cliffhanger, only for the promised sequel never to appear. The Order: 1886 is one of these tragic examples. Released in 2015 as an exclusive title for the PlayStation 4, it was one of the most ambitious games of its time - a cinematic experience with breathtaking graphics, an alternative history in Victorian London and a secret brotherhood fighting against werewolves. But despite its cinematic production, the brand disappeared into obscurity.
What went wrong
It was clear shortly after the release: The Order: 1886 divided the players. While the graphics and atmosphere were praised, the game was criticized for its short playtime, linear gameplay and heavy focus on quick-time events. Many saw the game more as a tech demo for the PS4 than a fully-fledged gaming experience. In addition, the marketing suggested a far greater freedom of play than the finished product ultimately offered.
The co-founder of Ready At Dawn, Andrea Pessino, has spoken out about the now-closed studio's failed attempt to make a sequel to The Order: 1886 to develop. In an interview with MinnMax Pessino explained that it was not the sales figures but the reviews that were decisive for Sony's decision against a sequel. "Sony is a very proud group and rightly so. If the critical reaction had only been in the 70s, I'm convinced we would have had the sequel. Just a few more points and it would have been okay."
A franchise with untapped potential
This is particularly bitter because the game laid promising foundations. The dark steampunk setting, the epic lore and the open story threads would have provided a perfect starting point for a sequel. The end of the game hinted that the main character Sir Galahad still had unfinished business with the Brotherhood. A sequel would have ironed out the flaws of the first part and made The Order a real cult franchise.
Another problem was the tight development schedule. According to Pessino, many of the more subtle narrative elements were cut out in order to keep to the schedule. "We needed at least another year, but we didn't get it, so we thought: cut, cut, cut."
2018 would have been a realistic launch window for the sequel, which would even have included a multiplayer mode. However, Pessino denied a fan theory that the game was to be set in 1986. Despite the ambitious ideas The Order: 1886 ultimately a one-off experiment without continuation.
Is there still hope?
At a time when more and more games are being given a late second chance (Alan Wake 2, Dead Space Remake), the hope remains that The Order: 1886 might return after all. Sony still owns the rights, but without the original developer it will be difficult. Perhaps the title will make a comeback one day - but until then The Order: 1886 a prime example of a failed but promising game series.
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